Owner of raided shelter says animals were taken to send message

BONNE TERRE, Mo. (KMOV) -- The owner of the Bonne Terre animal shelter who had nearly 200 animals taken by the Human Society Tuesday is saying that her facility was shut down as a result of Prop B.

Diana Blackwell, owner of the St. Francois Society animal shelter in Bonne Terre, Mo., said Wednesday that her facility, and those similar, are being targeted so Prop B supporters can send a message to the lawmakers who want changes in the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act.

Authorities from the The Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Task Force said the reason they rescued the 124 dogs and 67 cats Tuesday from Blackwell’s shelter was because the animals’ welfare was in danger.